Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmWDrOfq1X
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0zWYuFKbZ
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e1smQxdqo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD2jqrCRUZ
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbJ6UOXG1y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMirqylrQS
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3neN9vo564
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m6ZHzwd4p
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhgZe0ebeQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85LGzBYMN0
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGrwH1QaI6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY0VPBTKYh
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62HukexpLL
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWmJSXzh1C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcCS34iENn
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0QixJyfpl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeazr5tximN
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU2G2xrH5C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqItfimb6QX
**BOOM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdKpO3HOtL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr7y1lKTx1
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1tF5DYI25
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg4QPBO6Rc
"Ack!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j1UbekUqE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm03XyvS4q4
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjwe0HfLGP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKCz1jIZrv
The room was a catastrophe.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqreg5iKn1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0SR2qL4jf
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN24ZIbWd8D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOZrNIp3Ov
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ4YGRbg82
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV3Uwgb6Gi
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjTrIlPweQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcVKnl319h
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1TfTZmKro
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tUy3iX1m5
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XGfiOPXMk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodKiLgaJGz
**STRIKE**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwFvR3ZWWL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA5GdfSWyz
–only to be immediately interrupted.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJZn3Z5ek3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVryntOZCcf
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YnqkWqCwo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt8dFe181N
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufKdTNZFED
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnFZJM83aN
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZVe2NzMVt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4rn0eywrm
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpno5bgT0s
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxdWnpYjNL
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVANLfdKcb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPacO7keuS
"C'mon!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLAEjb9Hzu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0FKkHIp3D
"--Ah!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWJYBvmX9S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XEkGXof9N
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo0WBY3zdU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsQ5BXmd7d
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EaF6iqBYw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWax2Jr5l5
–
–
–
What a moron.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg8fs1hFod
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGkJXfGb6d
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvBCEeSZfE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf51BvyT2vj
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh52DNmwEoA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs9R2XuXCA
**THUD**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj5EBjtyUR
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"Ngh!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmUnipTUPB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vK59smaIv
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOguzZshy4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt9FWi5D80
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvbFEFvkyx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HFnTC2Q4J
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQXlD2pBs4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69gSxA0Zqm
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxqtWRwvVn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTu8XIj7z0
"--I should've known!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6McYQUHem
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Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8krxMrWtxT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTFvyDsST3
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLxGLVKsbO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIecYse0xS
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO0jhknsEK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLrw01OLmW
"DAVE!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBIv2UvW69
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMy5Wt34N9
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrtIAghlyf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaShx9HwiwG
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHSDZzRf8r
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD8OjB1c7Q
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXX0nh5iJs
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8E8vxZ6yM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonM59Kj50R
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxBH1N92j4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuK6tLfkuL
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC6eNXQhLh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJJZMGtsAB
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunTe4dyqcM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ993HhUN5HR
"...Those are our first casualties–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrccKZfMcDM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoyTrnTvxS
**BOOM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXeyrk71aV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hf7Yd0Nq4
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmn6GpE7K0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHulnirYctE
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzsWZke18A
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN3bG8RFdy
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofsJuo6IMq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAMfCjSEuU
"I'm here now."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pEVxMmZZ9
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Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjowTKOXvw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFEu0EXbIY
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyUwg6JIGC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqFLsIjlc6
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo97zs9HGAK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuliaN1CNEW
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdDoX0kq8R
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9ByZdnzyb
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQWLdtSMN6
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–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjxI62xyRa
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By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdg9FZrDKr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4TNP7g4s6
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8NldDIVJ8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbnmPW0TMG
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR33qlMPoT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c0NaRIl2C
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcnwEwhuGm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGbOm3t8Fr
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A36Yr5of0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79TjvaVhZS
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPxwxbx1RX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrT400KOWa
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrggYIx1kT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn0M6sW4t0
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sBJgt0NYV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3koGwiTgL
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4t7i3iwCs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZkrFMpsol
**BOOM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSeY82x4vx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgO74qPt5i
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsselrotv2P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFiN54XnAO
"Pars!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCs3WDJfJ3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26qnlJ4JCP
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WQlGi0ovp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8h8V5rb2h
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6go7XakyZ
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–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03p5CouNFy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoZc452ADL
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOQ644AJ3G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHkL90N38p
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpHN4Br8EA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkQNp57e8g
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Bz0SRnqg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo5gOyX10y
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1JH9bqTs8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRE2LzUBbG
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z4rhDEG4t
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh2LoYpDUo
**CLANG**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ8ZZszQE9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZJwdZ2iUT
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuaIvIG2lz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaJGEjBPIq
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5L6X4mp79
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lmQQAgsXA
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj5qYrau4o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLNAfN37e6
**SLAM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEhxcYpSIm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINcESKfLXW
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZR4AsE9LC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2bbppxowO
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxbB339X6d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgstcf7yebI
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuriVkvV4N
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjRC5gqulB
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1765Y6KgTQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFyIRP4trW
"Ngh! Shit–!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iTINfGoEX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamTsKfRmOS
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEXTFenVTh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfazeO5qjDF
But then–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdfPLQBRrf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvESi90BSP
**BOOM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr14TTVlxfL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhRWkHQNW0
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhIwOfgLfN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKs3W6dvSX
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifBmJHSEW9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBko0p1jTcb
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpzBfndNHJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡineGohJN9A
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7quosWN7Ob
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i8j7enXmi
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1iLUkfDP2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wwxHwxXhM
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnMDPJVW4e
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1y8oRAnmT
"Gah–! You scared me!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWlaIbzYt8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw7BC7bVGI
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qgtbf5DdY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0PBV7bUSx
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXmwpMRByV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUW5FytRzA
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAc3RsTsaq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L0vZYw2ih
"No, this is terrible."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH073deHAG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wo34vfhH7
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfFqOgcvej
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSAP95SWBD
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ6Q2i8nr8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35SFHik7qa
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQznDnG33G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolOXMIyT0P
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ573WsygRoU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH1ZF7J7qt
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN3u6O8EX2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeglf9W4c1
"No. No suggestions from you, please."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz7pErSriV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBs1XWjuAV
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluhmXe7m8U
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C9Ygbt4IP
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjXZRzFOTX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fj7olZhig
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXr6t97jlI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB1JsPOC6c
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyRSSBRMum
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK5cTAH0eJ
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9FbuXAoCf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZvik3W0XZ
Still, no response.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvWJDfClQk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHHRFVImbb
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWExJKnDKI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMaTYYePUe
"Because you're entirely incompetent."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFGtXFNOGC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldb78uyoYS
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk46sYualNB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoeSJTlvcp
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirAzLDEpwk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONlt29Eyup
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7XdhqXcj9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCeOh2PykS
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO30wYcejl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgAdhvTK3l
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfea7lUNE8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtHOO8LS6W
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmElEb3spkL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQce12EXAH
"What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG2FM96P8v
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTfu4em1Ag
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wa70L7zvE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGfMrE4WLn
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGVSJezqiv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylKwRABnsz
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeR0rN0fxj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPluQsad2T
"...I see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOiroU2R9C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq692Ew1k03
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUqsUNhwNj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMe6fTi3Tc
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUqlB1FDtt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2Ff3DjpXI
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xa1WlYJfF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9AlSH5I0y
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLnSzc02ut
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LPt11Fctm
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ5PRL6hXg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfW2zrvGQl
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlhtiN6cz6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmeqTRnepG
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZoSsl0fPW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLgSMjjgnk
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmLfnWhwzg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjexsmGcVSx
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9iDVrhKRz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MufRxJH4o
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJvsNI1ZtD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZaa7Rh36G
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVyJ3YE89v
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8ILjKWwO4
"Alright!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwu86sPLI5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0NVSuMBLe
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfASNIXgzBz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXnx7tSTZk
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVX9zf1HQs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUDzzS0Nsk
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbTxTRHqYg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hHhy9G4Gm
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPurNj6GsMF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8QKxOouJ9
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrMpwQ66ne
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumNOuMxrdw
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgkTesFT0J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyDITe16tW
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCIv4vtOwm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlSPJmzDL0
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsKz960Z67
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHLKm77hRI
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8cA0UbTXE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hHq5xIyIc
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL9CjGP61c
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1Jbsc01Zc
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr66N5XV2S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVgu1Sp3Xp
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlO55f1mjN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xzh5wOoCz
"--No!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaosLaUwAeQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSWu3fNMiV
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw0bhYPC7h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYdn2ujHrv
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSrZtwXGNJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjFeQLhXJn
"Hyua!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp7yUFOB2P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZC2mwBrX7
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC0YdnljIm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWILHSBNci
However, he did have another sharp object.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkLEs1cCYx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUSpmgfr3W
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0CUJvZY3y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR9Q6JNlXU
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ncj6FXJF6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJNnTkfS47
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK1Z5iWbe5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfP4hSMcGk
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznUgO5blwZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B1NrWEp5A
And what came was–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiXGV3wW6t
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s07kouoyj
**BOOM**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZl92eNH0G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLABbFjRdQ
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr4CioVaYm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHFLufeEh7
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVevNOiBIg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWZBcPZ8xI
"--oop!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJadKJHLbgc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqTpZEeOeZ
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqyr74tc7E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMC3QfUxOM
"You... you're a sick jokester."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqtbW9TOaW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo7RYDlibV
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHFNixjTFr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDF3NzUWhi
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVcOXuCxYD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZN7S3zn3B
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0EhRZ5ev2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1Bem5VTFQ
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorRyL0Jkpq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRxbZ55jBw
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP5TbraFTi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5qX5t6F5x
"What the hell... what the hell!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6umhPAdy2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mhnk9i394
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr3Zv7Ac3A
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFouLCslwE
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy08tkeIhIZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvu1omOS5Z
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYofc984Rfu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YPTsKprm7
"...Heh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemC8N1nzX1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiVeVFxdgH
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMtgk2CexW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxmXcbPA8k
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs3Jq70ykZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6uTMSIkd6
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFUMR2atar
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qQQsHrtYS
**THUD**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpeUobtRz2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwPt9FDO8s
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmmgQu4cZW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWyxKMyN3z
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNaCzWltqs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfhl97Vv5m
"Though I have to wonder–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozXkmIKcVw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY8suOLSzu
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p2G5okU54
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG5gy2zWrH
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACOAt2kDTC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1viW0FAZr6
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR357nUR28j
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjYT8uqzqh
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2okrxKX74J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yb7wkjIQZ
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiZqCXdG4X
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtsuMdICDL
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPnDyGHBZl
"Irritating...!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a52bxEVV8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBz4iDKt8K
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRDGNDCoYl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBSmmq64io
Dave didn't like to use spears.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZwRBbvpkG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hNBwHYZai
"...Haaaaa."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmgjWSOLVo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Pr73YdNV
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8CjL9zB4t
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tQMG8E1pq
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ1mhbB5Ca
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc85OfaS24x
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsLSKzSfN5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGevb7ZJtqV
That's what he always told himself, at least.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYkcGvg8oU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaAJZyP7eH
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3K1oGzZZD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkw2Bqnkkr
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuFOZM0YDj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ6IPPlJoc
**CLASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW7My1xPVY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE4Sx62xCM
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUXF2ZXE90
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2pDWCcnVB
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oDMuv28FA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9Pi6BuzI2
**CLASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdh2UMrJ10
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmgbGOpukM
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5llcGloRw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ojJXO35n
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKwMRrux6s
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vhTuTJqYE
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9BtcswDdN
Confusion–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNzPMEHbtY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjJKvF7vh5
**CLANG**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOETYkIFHdU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DAgz5wsuv
Delusion–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWgeSPopjt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtwXYWtQVw
**CRASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vhagocWT5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96fRHUnyV8
All lead to one conclusion:209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIgroHb38M
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCVkFBg2LL
**SMASH**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3y08LIBlo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv8WeRekOB
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2lWR2f7SQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTXcQBuH37
"...No, of course it isn't."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WsmpwzHlW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uGNvi7Qor
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHDxtgpk1K
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrUioyhKyq
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLzw4pfglW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHTsJo7Ex4
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuN1iDmsEo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwfx4tDMMW
**THUD**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40hqGarzUW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BZ3iJV3sc
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMYrWCIYP7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYKKx6NFFs
"Pars!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3oLA9WgeM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvvkq7erpe
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcovWU0uQvO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hUh5TWMfu
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbnBsRKX08
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSKWssgxZ
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3zsuOnasO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2S6BsAqJJ
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNYuowTnQq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWtTvMdDAv
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrcWb1hCI7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJSHFFsx13
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ZHgkhlYo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsQFwzab7H
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtJdfxUhQm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesekHelNhO
"What do you propose?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTl7GWh2xS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNXmRmYoai
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9FOTZx0vK
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The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeeo7QNTMN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUE8uUAxJ5
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvknmeP8Kf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCtiNjj98P
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1pSV1LqEk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyieDdkMME
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R9US6J1FX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KbFzRpErt
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMNYlsxmJR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1lnB3mL4q
"--Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mL3YhyVoR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRux2jSU3CA
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8rbNRcmEr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLaJBw5xfq
"...Always backhanded, huh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPKe9s11Mx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIlxw8SjN7
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB860uK49S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOAuDxcIZw
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD0MRpEQL8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBRMiEr25v
"We likely don't have one."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafehDq3lfr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXVtcnG6Cy
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC4p2GOA3f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz7oyJ7gBn
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuZIBO7n1P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzftEUuP1VP
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjTqOHodC9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KompfvXG9
"Well, if you insist."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygM1Qn7lB8
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–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQB3hvK90W
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbREKqM7XqW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrOkP1DQ8V
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufRErmsdCB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06p0z2ako2
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0LAndomxa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1s5rghV6y
**THUD**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0HpIEkvbl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AfeR6r5eQ
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0XNkdbLR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi2O6FPN9A
"--!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiGC6JYpLi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz47dUvHra
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GxSk7EDlQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQbA4Z8dpD
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATIjONBLyJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1VdAtJbIK
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8PDXHDGbz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDyKn40RWL
**SPLICE**209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXdbVTgg5J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0ud58C26t
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz43S1m7x5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwTBcQQzMN
"I missed one."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2FG5FISUr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKJFEoIE9Q
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4hiMskoXX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GwCy3iIQD
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oG5ud4mrC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6RevQy71r
"Hey!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawY3YeoAIE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4edrpeJgwm
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq7UghW4lP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nb1mB9fT6
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojIHcvuQVk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1x7JZzE3a
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvfl8Jq2bh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdgrrUiFWb
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDS4pZ1GOZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVuJBwKDNl
"I never said that."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxZ6ymGYuY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRdSg8vFVE
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJcBrVgjYA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmbqsKbMKV
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLcxn4UrCD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukw81zucQW
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuBJz4GVbl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgTenc8OE2
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IBLmMsN79
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CEgdjuKKI
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldRr1aE2LU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGMTYN4Vj8
"Haaaa. Damn you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJRHbBizvL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoRurkTPs8
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFRo1kCnzc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFH3bE6lhR
"They are dead, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDvKDJTaRQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzCI7n5LOP
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE6mNevik7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnREvso0l2q
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTP9pmHagC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGyPnf8RHs
"I–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy82XHRC7y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDKAqIQodZ
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrndS5Nizf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr72LTx3SMj
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg6aTrEgtf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKD1JzYm14
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1ATZFrM75
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1aky93WLI
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBvAq1kswX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwODmSSrQNx
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J2IgB09U5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dZdsqdrrL
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVEgTWscYp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgInJ0B5bvE
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YQaD6Ky5y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rAA83TfcD
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbz1G2sNHi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdclQosuTiV
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRqF1xG8ac
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb53w6mh1g5
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH930aTWwN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroqBsgGMq8
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bbE0ybPGb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMlJqd3uhE
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20JIukrdbh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61tkBr74is
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoA8Wb3Ykb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxNXtCwNDA
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaIONEA7f7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4UDFk3YDm
"You raise a good point."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2cktWZVFC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR0KNUMFbn
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8nnpQuJSK
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSiIbgMtUf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhKGaHuhD7
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PgQHIafHc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8umbUrkApz
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci6CK60E0I
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusH4FdY1Mf
"Ha, abandon?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolz7DJmdFg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30dBjsQJVv
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSp2Y0xu2s
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3txHuOR5c
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCYgOUWWhh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhR4fs1sI5
"If you were, it was backfiring."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp1E453J66
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wIgHnnxw0
"Harhar. Very funny."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXpFopVCs4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7iNsuCnhA
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm26UbUtur
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHk6KOJPuS
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQo6EV5Ehq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHofChwXJSb
"Aren't you conceited."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEdHA2cYwJ
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"You think it's arrogance?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoFNnsedW0
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Pars began to stroke his chin.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWf6OPMbfq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ko7V6yb1c
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJh1jJNpVv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8U1AeXTGb
"But what you want isn't just greatness."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOjNkZVc96
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yM2ArT4IF
"...Yeah, you're right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGGdvtNW3g
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tMd9GhkG0
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguqkQ3HVhG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx57D9orQO6
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
